To make matters slightly more complex however, a couple of new job listings were created two weeks ago, offering positions at Black Tusk Studios. The first, for a lead writer, advertises working on "Microsoft's next big IP" and helping to "shape the spirit of this new franchise." Will this writer now be brought onto the Gears team, or is there still hope for the project? The position wants someone who can create "an enthralling character-driven story," which certainly sounds like a transferable skill.

The other position, meanwhile, is for a senior online engineer and talks about a “web application to support console and multi-screen end points,” meaning we're probably going to see some sort of web portal and possible SmartGlass app. This position doesn't contain any reference to a new franchise though, so could very well be used for the Gears team.

Are these the first details about the new Gears of War game, or are they for a now defunct project that the team has been working on for the last couple of years? We don't know for certain, but have reached out to Microsoft for comment on this and whether the original game has been cancelled. Should we hear back, we'll update the story.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Junior Editor. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on Twitter.